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Bioflavonoids are color-producing pigments found in plants. Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, Rutin, and Hesperidin are vital through their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate their permeability. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular "cement" in healthy condition; are essential for the proper absorption and use of vitamin C; prevent Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation; are beneficial in hypertension; help hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and build a protective barrier against infections.
Bioflavonoids are a special class of plant polyphenolic compounds. Being found in high concentrations in many fruits, they are responsible for much of the coloring in such things as grapes, blueberries, and cherries. They are also found in fairly high concentrations in citrus fruits as well. Historically, Bioflavonoids were first described as "vitamin P" due to their ability to reduce capillary permeability. Since then their status as a vitamin has been dropped, but the research and use of various bioflavonoids has only increased. Some important bioflavonoids include quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, and the OPCs found in grapes, bilberries, and pine bark extractions to name a few.
Source
Quercetin is widely distributed in plants including Oak trees (Quercus spp.), onions (Allium cepa) and tea (Camellia sinensis). Quercetin is obtained from buckwheat and citrus fruits. Yellow onions also contain high levels of quercetin.
Rutin is widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom. It is used in a variety of supplement products where the addition of flavonoids is warranted.
Quercetin is available in powder and capsule form. Bioflavonoid mixtures are often used in supplements to enhance the effect of vitamins, especially vitamin C.
Hesperidin is found primarily in the rinds of lemon and sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). It is not all that commonly used as a supplement ingredient, but is still used in combination with vitamin C products or combined with ingredients as a synergist for a variety of conditions.
Function; Reasons For Use
Bioflavonoids are antioxidants and reduce blood cell stickiness and decrease bleeding from small, fragile vessels.
Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside with quercetin as the flavonoid portion and rutinose as the sugar portion. Rutin was included as one of the original "vitamin P" substances because of its ability to decrease capillary permeability and fragility. Like quercetin, rutin is a biologically active flavonoid. It has been shown to have antiedemic, antiarthrogenic, antiinflammatory and hypotensive properties.
Among the flavonoids, Quercetin is one of the most biologically active. Quercetin is the aglycone (non-carbohydrate portion of a glycoside molecule) of rutin, quercetrin and other glycoside flavonoids. Quercetin is an especially potent antioxidant with some anti-inflammatory properties. It appears to stabilize the membranes of the mast cells that release histamine.
Quercetin has been shown to have an effect on a variety of biological systems, mostly through its interaction with calmodulin, a calcium regulating protein. One of the best studied effects of quercetin is its ability to prevent mast cells from de-granulating during an allergic response. In preventing mast cell de-granulation, quercetin prevents the release of histamine, one of the major triggers to the overall allergic response. Through similar actions, quercetin can act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
As a flavonoid, quercetin is able to stabilize membranes. This is not only true of free-floating blood cells, but also capillary and arterial walls. These activities are due to the ability of quercetin to act as a potent antioxidant as well as an inhibitor to the enzyme hyaluronidase (an enzyme that breaks down connective tissue). The benefits of quercetin are becoming well known, and purified quercetin should become more popular in years to come. The absorption of quercetin is limited, and studies have shown that the enzyme bromelain is capable of increasing the intestinal absorption of quercetin. Quercetin is listed in the National Formulary and can be purchased N.F.
Rutin aids in the elimination of cholesterol in the body and helps the body to develop greater elasticity of the arterial walls to promote greater blood flow and protect the capillaries.
Hesperidin is a molecule which contains hesperetin (a bioflavonoid molecule) and the disacharide rutinose. It performs antioxidant actions as well as having potent anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. It works with vitamin C for the promotion of vascular tissue strength. No longer considered a vitamin, Hesperidin and other bioflavonoids are now known to have many beneficial effects such as improving the effectiveness of vitamin C, improving capillary fragility, antioxidant and free radical protection to name but a few.
Quercetin is used widely for sinus problems and aids in capillary fragility.
Directions
The recommended dose for Quercetin is 200-400mg tid. It is best to take it before meals.
Since Quercetin's action is preventive, it's best taken daily a week or two before pollen season and continued throughout.
Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
No toxicity has been identified with Quercetin. If taken in large doses, however, it can cause blood pressure to decrease.
Quercetin should be avoided during pregnancy.
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Bioflavonoids can help with the following: | | | | | Allergy |  Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever | Plants high in bioflavonoids such as quercetin and curcuma (rose hips, bilberry) are especially useful because they reduce your body's production of histamines or leukotrienes (substances that cause allergy symptoms) and strengthen connective tissue.
Quercetin appears to stabilize the membranes of the mast cells that release histamine. Since quercetin's action is preventive, it is best taken daily a week or two before pollen season and continued throughout. |
Indoor Allergies| | May reduce IgE formation, inhibit the release of histamine, and reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms. |
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Circulation |
Bruising Susceptibility
 Varicose Veins| | Bioflavonoids may be useful because of their reported antioxidant properties, their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries, and to regulate their permeability. Rutin, in particular, is often recommended for varicose veins. |
Vasculitis| | Due to its antioxidant effect, quercetin can inhibit inflammatory processes mediated by "leukotrienes" (inflammatory agents a thousand times more powerful than histamines), hyaluronidase (collagen-destroying enzymes), and lysosomal enzymes (other promoters of localized inflammation.) |
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Environment / Toxicity |
Heavy Metal Toxicity| | Bioflavonoids are known for their ability to chelate (bond with and remove) metals from the body. |
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Infections |
Sinusitis| | Quercetin is being used widely for sinus problems. |
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Inflammation |
Chronic Inflammation| | Clinical trials have not yet examined the effects of the bioflavonoid quercetin in the treatment of inflammation. However, several inflammation-promoting pathways are known to be inhibited by quercetin. - Histamine is one of the body's triggers for promoting inflammation. Quercetin is known to reduce histamine release from some inflammatory white blood cells
- Quercetin has been likened to the anti-inflammatory drug cromolyn sodium, which acts in a similar fashion
- Quercetin has also been shown to prevent release of leukotrienes - prostaglandin-like substances that also cause inflammation.
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Laryngitis| | Bioflavonoids help to ease inflammation in the throat and fight infection. Take 500mg of mixed bioflavonoids three or four times a day for the first three to four days. |
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Mental |
Poor Memory| | See the Link between Poor Memory and Vitamin C. |
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Metabolic |
Not recommended for:
 Metabolic Diet Type |
Nutrients |
 Bioflavonoid Need| | When doctors recommend supplementation, the most common amounts suggested are 1,000mg of citrus flavonoids or 400mg of quercetin, each taken three times per day. No side-effects have been linked to the flavonoids except for catechin, which can occasionally cause reversible fever, hives and anemia from the breakdown of red blood cells. |
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Respiratory |
Asthma| | Quercetin appears to be important in the prevention of asthma attacks. It has been shown to inhibit histamine release from mast cells and basophils when stimulated by antigens (triggers). In addition, quercetin has both a vitamin C-sparing effect and a direct stabilizing effect on membranes, including mast cells. It is also an antioxidant. Other flavones also inhibit histamine release, but to a lesser degree. |
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Uro-Genital |
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)| | Capillary fragility is believed to play a role in many cases of menorrhagia. Supplementation with vitamin C and bioflavonoids has been shown to reduce menorrhagia. As vitamin C is known to significantly increase iron absorption, its therapeutic effect could also be due to enhanced iron absorption. |
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS A (Anxiety)
Not recommended for:
 Pregnancy-Related Issues| | Quercetin should be avoided during pregnancy. |
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Bioflavonoids can help prevent the following: | | | | | Skin-Hair-Nails | Hives| | The flavonoid quercetin inhibits the manufacture and release of histamine and other allergic compounds involved in allergies. This suggests an as yet unproven preventative effect in managing hives. Some types of hives will respond, while others will not. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | May have adverse consequences | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Allergy (Allergies)
Hypersensitivity caused by exposure to a particular antigen (allergen), resulting in an increased reactivity to that antigen on subsequent exposure, sometimes with harmful immunologic consequences.
Anemia (Anaemia, Anemias)
A condition resulting from an unusually low number of red blood cells or too little hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The most common type is iron-deficiency anemia in which the red blood cells are reduced in size and number, and hemoglobin levels are low. Clinical symptoms include shortness of breath, lethargy and heart palpitations.
Antigen (Antigenic, Antigens)
A substance, usually protein or protein-sugar complex in nature, which, being foreign to the bloodstream or tissues of an animal, stimulates the formation of specific blood serum antibodies and white blood cell activity. Re-exposure to similar antigen will reactivate the white blood cells and antibody programmed against this specific antigen.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Capillary
Any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Glycoside
A molecule which upon hydrolysis produces at least one simple sugar and non-sugar component.
Hesperidin
A bioflavonoid derived from citrus fruit.
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus. Histamine is the chemical that drives the initial acute allergic reaction, causing itching, swelling and congestion.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
IgE (Immunoglobulin E)
Immunoglobulin E is a type of antibody produced by IgE plasma cells. These are specialized B-cell lymphocytes that make free-floating antibodies for what is termed humoral resistance. IgE is not made to be specific against only one antigen, like other gamma globulins, but instead can bind with a number of dangerous proteins. IgE travels to mast cells, sticks to their surfaces, and when antigens get stuck to the IgE, the mast cells secrete inflammatory compounds such as histamine. Since IgE is a generalist, coded for a number of potential toxins, it can decide for example that grass pollen and cat dander are antigens... and you have an allergy. Elevated production of IgE is often inherited, which is why allergies run in a family.
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Mast Cells
These are a group of cells that line the capillaries of tissues that come in contact with the outside, for example skin, sinuses, and lung mucosa. They, like their first cousin basophils, are produced in the red bone marrow and migrate to the appropriate tissues, where they stay. They bind IgE, supply the histamine and heparin response that gives you a healing inflammation, and cause allergies.
Menorrhagia
Abnormally heavy and/or long menstrual period.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Quercetin
A highly active bioflavonoid which is absorbed most effectively in combination with bromelain.
Red Blood Cell (Erythrocyte, Erythrocytes, RBC, Red Blood Cells)
Any of the hemoglobin-containing cells that carry oxygen to the tissues and are responsible for the red color of blood.
Rutin
A bioflavonoid obtained from buckwheat leaves.
Sinuses (Sinus)
Four pairs of air pockets lined with membranes in the bones around the nose. The ethmoid sinuses are located on each side of the nose between the eyes; the maxillary sinuses are located in the cheek above the teeth and below the eyes; the sphenoid sinuses are located deeply behind the eyes; the frontal sinuses are located in the forehead.
Sodium
An essential mineral that our bodies regulate and conserve. Excess sodium retention increases the fluid volume (edema) and low sodium leads to less fluid and relative dehydration. The adult body averages a total content of over 100 grams of sodium, of which a surprising one-third is in bone. A small amount of sodium does get into cell interiors, but this represents only about ten percent of the body content. The remaining 57 percent or so of the body sodium content is in the fluid immediately surrounding the cells, where it is the major cation (positive ion). The role of sodium in the extracellular fluid is maintaining osmotic equilibrium (the proper difference in ions dissolved in the fluids inside and outside the cell) and extracellular fluid volume. Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, muscle tone and nutrient transport. All of these functions are interrelated with potassium.
TID
Three times a day.
Urticaria (Hives)
Commonly known as hives, urticaria is one of the most common dermatological conditions seen by allergists. Urticaria is not just an allergic disease, however. It can be caused by metabolic diseases, medications, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease, or physical sensitivity. Traditional allergies to foods or medications as well as viral illness are frequent causes of acute urticaria which usually lasts only a few hours but may last up to 6 weeks. Chronic urticaria (lasting more than 6 weeks) is more complex, given the vast number of potential triggers. Symptoms include sudden onset; initial itching; then swelling of the surface of the skin into red or skin-colored welts (wheals) with clearly defined edges; welts turn white on touching; new welts develop when the skin is scratched; usually disappear within minutes or hours. Welts enlarge, change shape, spread or join together to form large flat raised areas.
Varicose Veins
Twisted, widened veins with incompetent valves.
Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
White Blood Cell (WBC, White Blood Cells)
A blood cell that does not contain hemoglobin: a blood corpuscle responsible for maintaining the body's immune surveillance system against invasion by foreign substances such as viruses or bacteria. White cells become specifically programmed against foreign invaders and work to inactivate and rid the body of a foreign substance. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.
Last updated: May 11, 2008
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